In addition, the retired general noted that even the first four modifications of the Leopard 2 tanks “are not what is needed.” The retired military man also noted that some combat vehicles arrive in Ukraine in a damaged condition.

As Forbes previously reported, the Russian Armed Forces have recently destroyed a quarter of the German Leopard 2 tanks supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The defense department noted that in June and July 2023, the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost 25 Leopard combat vehicles during the counteroffensive. All damaged tanks of this type were modifications 2A4 and 2A6.

Production of the Leopard 1 tank began in 1963. The combat vehicle was protected by homogeneous rolled armor, which provided protection only from shell fragments and small-caliber guns.

Such protection of a combat vehicle was explained simply. In the presence of cumulative shells capable of penetrating up to 300 mm of armor, increasing its power was considered useless.